Bare-Minimum Mondays: Productivity Booster or Career Killer?

Bare Minimum Mondays

A new TikTok trend called “bare minimum Mondays” is gaining popularity as a way to combat the dreaded “Sunday scaries.” The trend encourages workers to ease into the workweek by doing only the essential or minimal amount of work on Mondays.

The trend has garnered mixed reactions. Proponents praise it as a necessary step toward a perfect work-life balance. Others criticize it as a slippery slope toward poor work ethic, while some even warn taking this approach to the extreme could ultimately derail your career.

As the debate rages on, here are the potential benefits and consequences of “bare minimum Mondays.”

Quiet Quitting

The idea of “bare minimum Mondays” shares similarities with “quiet quitting,”as both concepts arose to preserve personal well-being and avoid burnout in the workplace

Mondays can be overwhelming, and the idea of tackling a long to-do list can be daunting. By starting with the bare minimum, workers can ease into the workweek and avoid feeling overwhelmed, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Additionally, focusing on the bare minimum on Mondays can help workers prioritize their tasks and avoid wasting time on less critical tasks. By starting with the essentials, workers can ensure that they are tackling the most important tasks first, which can help improve productivity and efficiency throughout the rest of the week.

Loud Layoffs

Employee engagement in the US has been on the decline, dropping from 36% in 2020 to 32% in 2022. This decrease has sparked conversations about the role of workplace culture, and whether trends like “bare minimum Mondays” and “quiet quitting” are contributing to these statistics.

Meanwhile, mass layoffs continue to sweep across industries, with more tech roles eliminated in the first four months of 2023 than all of 2022. Experts argue that adopting this “bare minimum” approach can make workers more susceptible to layoffs, especially in competitive industries.

It’s important to note that the “bare minimum Monday” approach may not be appropriate for all work environments or all types of work. Some jobs may require a higher level of engagement and focus on Mondays, and some workers may prefer to start the week with a more proactive approach. Ultimately, the most effective approach will depend on the individual, their work environment, and their personal preferences.

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